Showing papers on "Laptop published in 2011"

Self-constructive high-rate system energy modeling for battery-powered mobile systems

Abstract: System energy models are important for energy optimization and management in mobile systems. However, existing system energy models are built in a lab setting with the help from a second computer. Not only are they labor-intensive; but also they do not adequately account for the great diversity in the hardware and usage of mobile systems. Moreover, existing system energy models are intended for energy estimation for time intervals of one second or longer; they do not provide the required rate for fine-grain use such as per-application energy accounting.In this work, we study a self-modeling paradigm in which a mobile system automatically generates its energy model without any external assistance. Our solution, Sesame, leverages the possibility of self power measurement through the smart battery interface and employs a suite of novel techniques to achieve accuracy and rate much higher than that of the smart battery interface.We report the implementation and evaluation of Sesame on a laptop and a smartphone. The experiment results show that Sesame is able to generate system energy models of 95% accuracy at one estimation per second and of 88% accuracy at one estimation per 10ms, without any external assistance. Two five-day field studies with four laptop and four smartphone users further demonstrate the effectiveness, efficiency, and non-invasiveness of Sesame.

Can One Laptop Per Child Save the World’s Poor

Abstract: The One Laptop per Child (OLPC) program is one of the most ambitious educational reform initiatives the world has ever seen. The program has developed a radically new low-cost laptop computer and aggressively promoted its plans to put the computer in the hands of hundreds of millions of children around the world, including in the most impoverished nations. Though fewer than 2 million Of OLPC's XO computers have been distributed as of this writing, the initiative has caught the attention of world leaders, influenced developments in the global computer industry and sparked controversy and debate about the best way to improve the lot of the world's poor. With six years having passed since Nicholas Negroponte first unveiled the idea, this paper appraises the program's progress and impact and, in so doing, takes afresh look at OLPC's assumptions. The paper reviews the theoretical underpinnings Of OLPC, analyzes the program's development and summarizes the current state of OLPC deployments around the world. The analysis reveals that provision of individual laptops is a utopian vision for the children in the poorest countries, whose educational and social futures could be more effectively improved if the same investments were instead made on more sustainable and proven interventions. Middle- and high-income countries may have a stronger rationale for providing individual laptops to children, but will still want to eschew OLPC's technocentric vision. In summary, OLPC represents the latest in a long line of technologically utopian development schemes that have unsuccessfully attempted to solve complex social problems with overly simplistic solutions. ********** The One Laptop per Child (OLPC)program is one of the most ambitious educational reform initiatives to date. The program has developed a radically new low-cost laptop computer and aggressively promoted its plans to put laptops in the hands of millions of children around the world, including those in the most impoverished nations. The program's founder and chairman, Nicholas Negroponte, has argued that children can use this new computer to not only teach themselves, but also their family members. (1) This paper argues that the premises and approach of OLPC articulated by Negroponte are fundamentally flawed. The poorest countries targeted by OLPC cannot afford laptop computers for all their children and would be better off building schools, training teachers, developing curricula, providing books and subsidizing attendance. Middle- and high-income countries may benefit from educational use of laptops. However, this can only happen if they devote substantial effort and funding to the kinds of infrastructure development, teacher training, curriculum development, assessment reform and formative evaluation necessary for school laptop programs to work. Unlike Negroponte's approach of simply handing computers to children and walking away, there needs to be large-scale integrated education improvement efforts. (2) OLPC's VISION OCPC's vision is strongly shaped by Negroponte's background and views. Having been the founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Media Lab and an initial investor in Wired magazine, he is not bashful about asserting his idealistic views on the transformative power of new technologies. As he wrote in an influential 1995 book, "like a force of nature, the digital age cannot be denied or stopped." (3) The OLPC program represents a marriage of Negroponte's digital utopianism and the constructionist learning theory of Seymour Papert, Negroponte's longtime colleague at MIT. Papert views learning as highly dependent on students constructing ideas and individual laptop computers as essential for carrying out such construction in today's world. He argues that having several students share a computer is as inadvisable as having multiple students share a single pencil. (4) In the OLPC program, Negroponte, Papert and others sought to develop and distribute a low-cost "children's machine" that would empower youth to learn without, or in spite of, their schools and teachers. …

Multi-User and Multi-Device Collaboration

Abstract: Multi-user, multi-computing device collaborative work experience is provided. One or more computing devices, including wired and wireless personal computers, laptop computers, servers, handheld mobile computing devices, for example, mobile telephones, tablet type computers, slate type computers and the like, may be linked together to allow users of such devices to engage in a collaborative work session. Information for each user engaged in the collaborative work session may be displayed on the one or more devices along with any content such as agenda items, documents, data, images, and the like. User participation may be tracked, and information on user participation, work session communications and content may be stored for subsequent use.

Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Using Laptop Computers in Higher Education Classrooms: A Formative Analysis

Abstract: Because of decreased prices, increased convenience, and wireless access, an increasing number of college and university students are using laptop computers in their classrooms. This recent trend has forced instructors to address the educational consequences of using these mobile devices. The purpose of the current study was to analyze and assess beneficial and challenging laptop behaviours in higher education classrooms. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 177 undergraduate university students (89 males, 88 females). Key benefits observed include note-taking activities, in-class laptop-based academic tasks, collaboration, increased focus, improved organization and efficiency, and addressing special needs. Key challenges noted include other student’s distracting laptop behaviours, instant messaging, surfing the web, playing games, watching movies, and decreased focus. Nearly three-quarters of the students claimed that laptops were useful in supporting their academic experience. Twice as many benefits were reported compared to challenges. It is speculated that the integration of meaningful laptop activities is a critical determinant of benefits and challenges experienced in higher education classrooms.

Methods and systems for contactless payments for online ecommerce checkout

Abstract: A process of conducting a contactless payment in an online transaction comprises initiating, at a computer-based system, an online transaction based on a consumer selection, transmitting, from an RF device, consumer information to the computer-based system. The consumer information may provide at least one of shipping information, account information, and billing information for completing the online transaction. Further, the method includes populating a check-out screen with consumer information from the radio frequency device. The consumer is able to confirm the online transaction and associated information prior to submission for processing. In various embodiments of conducting the contactless payment of an online transaction, the RF device may be at least one of a transponder, a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a fob. The contactless-enabled device may at least one of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, or a smart phone.

Direct service launch on a second display

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to implement a technique for using a second display with a network-enabled television. In one implementation, this feature allows the native application on the second display to directly launch the second display application with a requested search term so that the user is immediately brought to a search page with relevant search results. The search term may be derived from the native application which in turn derives from the context of the IP TV. Such a context could be metadata from a currently playing BD from a BD player or TV channel. The second display application may be a web application or a native remote controller application. The second display could be a smart phone that can often be found beside the user, or a laptop or tablet PC, a desktop PC, or the like.

Workspace Collaboration Via a Wall-Type Computing Device

Abstract: Multi-user, multi-computing device collaborative work experience is provided. One or more computing devices, including wired and wireless personal computers, laptop computers, servers, handheld mobile computing devices, for example, mobile telephones, tablet type computers, slate type computers and the like, may be linked together to allow users of such devices to engage in a collaborative work session. Information for each user engaged in the collaborative work session may be displayed on the one or more devices along with any content such as agenda items, documents, data, images, and the like. User participation may be tracked, and information on user participation, work session communications and content may be stored for subsequent use.

Innovation in Multi-Invention Contexts: Mapping Solutions to Technological and Intellectual Property Complexity:

Abstract: “We pried off the top of an IBM laptop, and the keyboard as well, and then we glued a bunch of little map fags to every single technological component in the computer that we had licensed from othe...

One laptop per child Birmingham: case study of a radical experiment

Abstract: The One Laptop per Child (OLPC) program has sought to transform education by developing and distributing to low-income children around the world an inexpensive computer with an innovative interface and applications. This article investigates the implementation of OLPC in Birmingham, Alabama, where some 15,000 of the group's XO laptops were distributed to all first- through fifth-grade public school students and their teachers. Surveys were collected from a representative sample of children before and after they received their laptops, supplemented by observations and interviews in a Birmingham school. The use of the XOs by teachers and schools, the ways social and technical infrastructure affected program implementation, and the types of XO use by students are examined. The disappointing results of the Birmingham program, which has been discontinued, are analyzed in relationship to OLPC's technocentric approach, the organization's principle of child ownership, and the design elements of the XO hardware an...

Handheld portable device

Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing can be machined from a single billet of material, such as a billet of aluminum. The single piece housing can include ledges with a surface receiving a trim bead and a cover. Corner brackets can be attached to the single piece housing to improve the damage resistance of the housing.

Method and apparatus for remote delivery of managed usb services via a mobile computing device

Abstract: A managed Universal Serial Bus (USB) service capability is disclosed. The managed USB service capability is configured to use a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone or other suitable mobile computing device) to support a set of services for a computer (e.g., a desktop, a laptop, and the like) capable of connecting to the mobile computing device via a USB connection. The managed USB service capability enables local and/or remote control of the mobile computing device to operate in various USB device classes, such that the mobile computing device can provide various managed USB services for the computer via the peripheral connection. In this manner, the mobile computing device may be dynamically configured to operate as one or more of a network interface, a virtual private network (VPN) client, a smart card, a serial console, a mass-storage device, a booting device, and the like.

Social messaging hub

Abstract: A social messaging hub provides communication services for a data enabled device having Internet network access capabilities such as a portable media player, personal digital assistant, a Wi-Fi mobile platform, a tablet computer, portable e-Reader, a personal computer, a laptop and a netbook computer. The social messaging hub communicates with the data enabled device over the Internet or cellular data networks, and interfaces with a message infrastructure including mobile carriers, message aggregators, message exchanges and various specialized social messaging services, such as Microsoft Windows Live Messenger, AIM, Yahoo, GoogleTalk, Facebook and Twitter to enable bi-directional messaging communication. The user is given a registered phone number and unique IP addressable identification which serve as a source and destination identifier of the associated data enabled device. Messages may originate in or be delivered to other users' mobile telephones or in similarly equipped and provisioned IP data enabled devices.

Intelligent Power Over Ethernet Power Management for Personal Computing Devices in Enterprise Environments

Abstract: A Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) communication system dynamically provides power and data communications over a communications link. In an enterprise environment made up of one or more personal computing devices (e.g., personal or laptop computers), a switch determines an allocated amount of power to be supplied to each device. The system includes a switch, a power supply, and one or more personal computing devices having a PoE control module. The PoE control module can be part of, for example, a Power Source Equipment/Powered Device (PSE/PD) system or a LAN-On-Motherboard/Powered Device (LOM/PD) system. A method of dynamically providing power to personal computing devices includes determining the power requirements of each device based on one or more factors, which can include, for example, battery charge status, power load, power mode, etc., of each device. Various algorithms can be used to decide priority in providing power to the devices.

Electronic kit bag

Abstract: A method of providing electronic flight bag for an aviation professional for use on an aircraft by providing a transportable laptop computer and programming the transportable laptop computer with linear and non-linear algorithms and operating programs. Flight plan information is received by the transportable laptop computer, and additional aircraft and flight related data is inputted as well. Additional information is acquired by the transportable laptop computer on an up to the minute basis during flight, and calculations are made en route to adjust the original flight plan. The updated flight plan is outputted to the aviation professional en route.

Systems and methods for providing companion services to customer premises equipment using an ip-based infrastructure

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing companion services to customer premises equipment (CPE) using an IP -based service infrastructure The infrastructure allows IP-enabled devices such as tablet PCs, smart phones, PDAs, and laptop computers to provide supplementary services to target systems and devices located at customer premises Target systems and devices (CPE) may be TVs, PCs, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, or other electronics An embodiment is disclosed which allows a mobile device to provide companion services to a television through a link with a set-top box in a cable TV network using the Internet

An evaluation of the conditions, processes, and consequences of laptop computing in k-12 classrooms

Abstract: This article examines how laptop computing technology, teacher professional development, and systematic support resulted in changed teaching practices and increased student achievement in 47 K-12 s...

Infrastructures for low-cost laptop use in Mexican schools

Abstract: In recent years, a number of low-cost laptops have been created for children's education, most notably the XO, developed by One Laptop per Child to embody principles of constructionist learning, and the ClassmatePC, designed by Intel to fit within and improve traditional education. We report on a series of field studies in Mexican elementary schools that deployed the XO or ClassmatePC. Although both devices are promoted as valuable for improving education in developing countries, our studies suggest that creating the social and technical infrastructures needed to sustain school laptop use is far more complex than what technology designers assume.

System and method for providing an interactive remote controlled jukebox

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to interactive remote controlled jukebox systems. Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for managing, controlling, delivering and playing audio or other multimedia on a jukebox, jukebox-like apparatus or an electronic device/computing device (e.g., tablet computer, mobile phone, network enabled TV, set-top box, audio/video receiver) via a remote control. The remote control may be comprised of a computing device (e.g., smartphone, PDA, tablet PC, laptop, cellular phone, desktop PC).

Informing one-to-one computing in primary schools: Student use of netbooks

Abstract: Although one-to-one laptop programs are being introduced in many schools, minimal research has been conducted regarding their effectiveness in primary schools. Evidence-based research is needed to inform significant funding, deployment and student use of computers. This article analyses key findings from a study conducted in four Year 7 classrooms in which students were provided with netbook computers as an alternative to more expensive laptop computers. Variable access was provided to students including computer to student ratios of one-to-one and one-to-two. Findings indicated that increased access to the netbook computers resulted in increases in computer usage by these students, compared with their minimal use of computers before the study. However, despite the increased access, actual computer usage remained limited. The article reports that factors contributing to the minimal use of computers included individual teacher agency, a crowded curriculum, and the historical use of computers. Implications for policy and practice are suggested.

Developing an Interactive Social Media Based Learning Environment

Abstract: The interactive social media based learning environment is a software system that provides a social media classroom experience for interactive learning Students log in with a mobile device, such as an iPad or a laptop, and participate in a classroom environment in which they can view lecture slides, "chat" on-line with other users during the lecture, tweet to their followers, post items to their Facebook page, and collaborate with each other on topics Within the learning environment, the student may also ask, rate, and answer questions on-line The instructor has the capability of synchronizing lecture slides on the student’s mobile devices as well as administering quizzes throughout the lecture and displaying visual results for the quizzes

Developing mobile learning applications for electrical engineering courses

Abstract: With the shift from desktop/laptop computers to multi-touch mobile devices (e.g. iPad, Smartphone, Tablet handheld), these mobile devices have become a part of everyday life and have potentials to promote in-class activities between teachers and students. In this paper, we have developed mobile learning applications for the Google's Android and Apple's iOS platforms to be used in electrical engineering courses at the University of Tennessee at Martin and have investigated their effects on student performance. These applications are quiz-style and touch based applications that ask students questions relevant to electrical engineering subjects. There are several different problems to choose from, including digital logic gate analysis, discrete signal convolution, and digital filter design. Once students complete the work, the score results can be sent to the instructor's email automatically. While students play with this mobile software, they are actually learning the subjects and getting to compete with classmates. Students also can learn anytime or anywhere, in or outside of the classroom.

System and method for collaborative 3D visualization and real-time interaction on a computer network

Abstract: A system and method that provides groups of users a capability for collaborative 3D visualization and real time interaction on computer networks. Users establish a trust relationship a-priori with other users of their choice and setup sessions for collaborative visualization of “3D Models”. Various 3D capable computing devices such a desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets are supported. Changes made by a specific user on his “3D Model” get replicated on peer users' computer environment thereby simulating an experience of being physically co-located for the purpose of visualization and interaction. Changes to the “3D Model” for appearance, geometric transformations, lighting, and addition/deletion of sub-objects are supported for collaborative usage. Indexing and querying of “3D Models” are supported collaboratively. The power of digital certificates id leveraged to provide digital signing capability on changes made to “3D Models” or related metadata.

USING AFFORDABLE TECHNOLOGY TO DECREASE DIGITAL INEQUALITY: Results from Birmingham's One Laptop Per Child XO laptop project

Abstract: School systems in the United States are increasingly integrating computers into the classroom. Yet, we know little about the factors that determine successful adoption, use, and attitudes toward the computers. The City Council of Birmingham, Alabama is the first in the United States to provide One Laptop Per Child XO laptops to all students in first-fifth grades in the Birmingham City School System. The purpose of this study is to present the survey results examining factors that are related to XO laptop usage and attitudes among fourth- and fifth-grade students in Birmingham City schools. The results indicate that factors vary depending upon the type of use or attitudes being examined. Teachers' use of the XO laptop in the classroom is a primary factor that is related to the frequency of XO activity use and students' attitudes toward the XOs, while teachers' ability is related to the hours of XO usage in school. These results highlight the importance of having well-trained teachers who embrace using the ...

I/O Attacks in Intel PC-based Architectures and Countermeasures

Abstract: For a few years now, attacks involving I/O controllers have been subject to a growing interest. Unlocking smart phones and game consoles through USB connections, or bypassing authentication through Fire Wire are examples of such attacks. Our study focuses on I/O-based attacks targeting Intel PC-based information systems such as laptop or desktop computers. This paper provides a survey of such attacks and proposes a characterization and a classification of these attacks. Then, an overview of various techniques which mitigate the risks related to I/O attacks are described and their respective limitations are discussed. Finally, several I/O attacks we are currently investigating are presented.

Laptop Back-to-Back Display Screen System for Face-to-Face Interactions

Abstract: Computer display systems comprising back-to-back (BTB) dual screens that render the same display simultaneously on a primary and a slaved secondary screen, for face-to-face inter-active and collaborative purposes, inter alia, for education, sales, presentation, and collaboration between two or more persons. The inventive system is particularly suitable for laptop and netbook types of computers, and a wide range of integrated and accessory BTB dual-screen configurations are disclosed. The secondary screen can be rotated between the BTB dual screen collaborative orientation to an SBS GEM configuration for multi-screen display only to the user.

Device Case and Mounting Apparatus

Abstract: A multi-function case and support for an electronic device, such as a tablet computer The case may be adapted to support the tablet in a variety of configurations, such as similar to a laptop computer configuration, and as a raised support The case may also protect the electronic device from rough contact and other wear In the raised support configuration, the case and support may be adapted to allow for rotation of the tablet from a landscape to a portrait attitude

Some of the What?, Why?, How?, Who? and Where? of Graphics Processing Unit Computing for Bayesian Analysis

Abstract: Over the last 20 years or so, a number of Bayesian researchers and groups have invested a good deal of time, effort and money in parallel computing for Bayesian analysis. The growth of “small research group” to “institutionally supported” cluster computational facilities has had a substantial impact on a number of areas of Bayesian analysis, enabling analyses that are otherwise practically infeasible. Parallel computing has also motivated new approaches to simulation and optimisation-based Bayesian computations that aim to maximally exploit the “master-slave” and “embarrassingly parallel” computational model [e.g., 3, 4, 6]. In more recent years, increasingly prevalent multi-core CPUs in standard servers, desktops and laptops have engendered some interest in relatively simple and easy multi-threading of existing Bayesian analysis code, whether implemented in low level languages (C/C++) or through parallelisation facilities in environments such as R and Matlab R ©. Much progress in research and in advancing the use of Bayesian methods in increasingly computationally challenging problems has resulted. As we look ahead, however, the potential impact of parallel computation on both immediate research and the development of more broadly useful software is clearly – to some of us – dramatically enhanced by the advent of scientific computation using desktop and laptop graphical processing units (GPUs). Major new opportunities for orders-of-magnitude speed-up in computation are emerging through GPU programming, and the technology is cheap, both to purchase and run, and easily available.

Electronically Equipped Suitcase Device

Abstract: The electronically equipped suitcase device provides several advantages to a traveler and is provided in a size commensurate with carry-on capability for airlines. The slot contains telescopic posts adjacent to the suitcase back. Collars are pivotally disposed upwardly on the telescopic posts in pivotal support of a table for a laptop, writing, reading, or other convenience. The table is supported. The table has a distally disposed lip to prevent objects sliding off. A solar panel is provided in the table top that provides for charging a battery pack disposed within the suitcase. The battery pack may also be charged by existing outlet plug-in. The handle atop the telescopic posts importantly includes power in and power out, along with multiple USB ports.